Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
China has few independent hotels of real distinction, so it's generally advis-
able to select chain hotels that offer a proven standard of international excel-
lence. Shangri-La, Marriott, Hilton, St Regis, Ritz-Carlton, Marco Polo and Hy-
att all have a presence in China and can generally be relied upon for high
standards of service and comfort.
Note that:
» English skills are often poor, even in some five-star hotels.
» Most rooms are twins rather than doubles, so be clear if you specifically
want a double.
» Virtually all hotel rooms, whatever the price bracket, will have air-condition-
ing and a TV.
» Very cheap rooms may have neither telephone nor internet access.
» Wi-fi is increasingly common in hostels and midrange and up hotels (but
might be only in the lobby).
» All hotel rooms are subject to a 10% or 15% service charge.
» Practically all hotels will change money for guests, and most midrange and
top-end hotels accept credit cards.
» A Western breakfast may be available, certainly at four-star establishments.
The Chinese method of designating floors is the same as that used in the
USA, but different from, say, that used in Australia. What would be the ground
floor in Australia is the 1st floor in China, the 1st is the 2nd, and so on.
In China, hotels are called:
»
binguan
»
jiudian
»
dajiudian
»
fandian
»
dafandian
